What is a Digital (IP) Camera?
A Digital Camera, also called an IP Camera (Internet Protocol Camera), is a type of CCTV camera that captures video in digital format and transmits it over a computer network (LAN or the Internet).
Unlike analog cameras, IP cameras do not require a DVR. Instead, they connect to an NVR (Network Video Recorder) or directly to a network switch.
Definition
An IP (Internet Protocol) Camera is a digital surveillance camera that sends and receives video data through a network using an IP address.

How Does an IP Camera Work?
1. The camera captures digital video.
2. It converts the video into digital data.
3. The data is sent through a Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi.
4. The video is stored in an NVR or cloud storage.
5. Users can view live video on a computer or smartphone from anywhere with internet access.

Main Features of an IP Camera
• High-definition video (HD, Full HD, 2K, 4K)
• Digital image quality
• Remote viewing through mobile apps
• Motion detection
• Night vision
• Two-way audio (in some models)
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) support
• Easy integration with modern security systems

Advantages of IP Cameras
• Better image quality than analog cameras.
• Remote monitoring from anywhere.
• Easy to expand by adding more cameras.
• Supports advanced features like AI-based detection and face recognition (in some models).
• Uses a single Ethernet cable for both power and data (PoE).

Disadvantages of IP Cameras
• More expensive than analog cameras.
• Requires a network (LAN or Internet).
• Installation and configuration are more technical.